I actually asked this question in the Galaxie section of the forum but wish I would have seen this section first.
Could someone tell me how to identify the engine I have? I have a 62 Galaxie which the owner stated has a 429/460 in it. I need to figure out if this is actually the engine I have. Whatever it is, its huge!

I actually asked this question in the Galaxie section of the forum but wish I would have seen this section first.
Could someone tell me how to identify the engine I have? I have a 62 Galaxie which the owner stated has a 429/460 in it. I need to figure out if this is actually the engine I have. Whatever it is, its huge!

429's and 460's are both part of the Ford 385 Series engine family. You can post a pic and we'll be able to tell you ir it's a 385 or not. We won't necessarily be able to tell you whether it is a 429 or a 460 becauwse on any given year of production they use the same block, heads, etc.

The cylinder head casting numbers are located on the outside of the head, along the valve cover mounting rail and between the 3rd and 4th exhaust ports. The are visible simply by looking at the engine. You should be able to find a cast-in alphanumeric number, possibly one of the following:

C8VE-E

C9VE-A

D0VE-C

D2VE-AA

D3VE-A2A

Or, it may appear similar to one of the above numbers but a little different.

The block casting number is located on the ouside of the engine, at the rear of the cylinder bank, behind the starter motor and reads vertically. There, you should be able to find a cast-in alphanumeric number, possibly one of the following:

C8VE-B

C9VE-B

D0VE-A

D1VE-A2B

D9TE-AB

Or, it may appear similar to one of the above numbers but a little different.

Great news on the Heads! Thanks Paul!
I was able to get up under the car last night while taking apart the drum brakes (what a mess!) and was able to find the block casting number: C9VE-B.
Since this number is the same as the heads, except for the letter after the dash, is it a 1969 and a 385 Series Ford as well??

Great news on the Heads! Thanks Paul!
I was able to get up under the car last night while taking apart the drum brakes (what a mess!) and was able to find the block casting number: C9VE-B.
Since this number is the same as the heads, except for the letter after the dash, is it a 1969 and a 385 Series Ford as well??

For the most part, C9VE-B is a 1969 engine block and C9VE-A is a 1969 cylinder head. Starting to look like you have a 1969 429 or 460 based engine. Nice engine. They are 10.5-10.6:1 compression ratio, so premium fuel is a must....however if it has been rebuilt it is also possible that someone might have replaced the flat top pistons with dish top pistons and lowered the compression.

The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.

AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.